Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends is a national initiative that aims to change the way we think, act and talk about dementia.

The programme is based on free, hour-long information sessions where volunteer Dementia Friends Champions explain more about what dementia is and what living with the condition is like, and about the small ways everyone can help.

At the end of the session, those taking part are invited to pledge an action - which may be as small as telling friends about Dementia Friends.

So far there are around 13,000 Dementia Friends in Wiltshire. To find a session near you or to sign up to become a Dementia Friend online go to www.dementiafriends.org.uk

If you would like to arrange a session for your business, church, social group, school or other organisation in Wiltshire, please contact us.

Thank you so much for providing an inspirational Dementia Friends Session. It gave me an introduction to dementia that has transformed my relationship with someone who has Alzheimer's.

Two points stood out for me: a person with dementia remembers feelings even if they don't remember people; and you should enter and accept that person's world. Consequently I visited Edna with a completely different attitude. It didn't matter that she didn't remember who I was. It didn't matter that she thought it was the 1940s and she'd just left school. I entered her world, showed interest in it, and enjoyed listening to her stories. A care worker said "It's lovely to hear her chatting." What had previously been an awkward encounter is now a positive experience for both of us. Thank you!

Music for the Mind, (formerly Singing for the Brain) is uplifting and hugely beneficial for people living with dementia. We run 11 groups in Wiltshire - and you don't need to be a good singer to take part.